Thursday, January 6, 2011

In 121 Years

The other day my daughter's boyfriend told me that while his family was vacationing over Christmas some friends took care of their pets. By accident a quilt they owned had gotten washed and was falling apart. I agreed to take a look at it.

Imagine my surprise, last night, when he brought over this exquiste embroidered quilt. I saw the date and realized what a treasure they have. It was found in a trunk, in a basement. It has 72 embroidered blocks, some in black and some in brown. It is hand-tied. Most of the embroidery has animal motifs.

The binding on the quilt is shredding so I'm going to replace it. First I will attempt to locate vintage black muslin. I am not going to replace the embroidery that has come out. It really is in good condition for being 121 years old and going through our modern day washing.

Since last night, I have been thinking about quilting and how much of what I quilt is quick and simple. While there is a definite place for it, sometimes I consider that type of quilting like fast food eating. Believe me, I make alot of those quilts but 121 years from now, what will my quilts say about me?

More than the year, this block spoke the loudest to me. This is what I want the work of my hands to show to others. This is what I want my life to show to others. This is what I want God to see when He looks at me.

I don't want someone years from now to think, what in the world? Even though I'm sure that this gun spoke something important for that person in that time period. I have made many quilts. Through all of them, the ones that I love the most are the ones that took me the longest to make. The ones I thought I could never finish, the ones that stretched my abilities to the limit. I have an applique quilt where I was certain I couldn't do all those leaves. It took months. It hangs where I can see it every day. Let's not always take the easy route. I encourage you to pick a project that teaches you something new, no matter what craft you enjoy. Work on it alittle every day or every few days while you complete other projects. When it's finished you will have a completely different type of satisfaction in your work. I will even venture to say that you might have a completely different outlook on life.

Patience not being one of my virtues naturally, your post really spoke to me. I am in the middle of a gift project that is taking more time than I'm used to giving to a project...I like to finish and move on...but what you said is true. As look at each finished page and how it will be cherised by the receiver, I am filled with the love and satisfaction of a job well done...

What a treasure you have there in your hands. I often wonder what thoughts and prayers were going through the hearts of the ladies who were stitching together these beautiful pieces of art. Was it intended for someone specific or to serve a purpose of keeping their family warm? I love seeing the extra pretty little touches they added to something so utilitarian. :o) Have a wonderful day.Sincerely, Trish :o)

Wow, what an amazing quilt, and aren't you clever to be able to restore it! This was a thought-provoking post...I shy away from long projects as I don't seem to have the patience, but this has made me think. Thanks. xx

This is a true treasure. My mother and I embroidered a state bird quilt about 30 years ago. I've never completed putting it together. Mom passed away in 1988 and it would be a priceless treasure to have.

That is just breathtaking. It is such a big deal to find a really antique quilt these days. So many have been just thown away with no concept of the value (not just money value but the workmanship). I treasure each quilt my mother, grandmothers and great-grandmother left to me. And although I have, also, repaired quilts for other people, I don't and haven't repaired all of mine. Some I never will. Some just need the tatters to stay with them as proof of loving use to folks long gone from our lives.